Introducing your Session Speakers (SBS 1)

Registration is open for WCWI’s 28th Annual Worksite Wellness Conference and this year we're bringing over 20 local talented experts to discuss the industry’s most thought-provoking and emerging ideas. Let’s meet the first round of Skill Building Session speakers who will join us on October 30:

Aaron Hunnel, CWP, CIC

Aaron is a U.S. Army Veteran, business owner, author and endurance athlete who believes that people are the greatest gift in life. His work has influenced the hearts and minds of people all over the world as he empowers them to live authentic, fulfilled lives.

In a few words, what is most exciting to you about being a speaker at the WCWI’s 28th Annual Worksite Wellness Conference?

“I am excited to share a different perspective with different people from different organizations so together we can comprehensively enhance employee health and wellness.”

What’s one thing that you’d like our attendees to know about you?

“I once spent a week in the woods. Alone. Without talking. No watch. No electronics. No money. No shelf-stable foods. No sense of security. And lots of mosquitos. Through that challenging and extremely uncomfortable experience, I learned how intentionally invoking my own insecurities made me a stronger, courageous, and more resilient person. It has deepened my relationships with others, given me considerable psychological insights into the work I do, and reiterated how gratitude for simple things can profoundly enhance life.”

In a few words, why should our attendees be interested in learning about the topic you’re speaking about?

“With social isolation on the rise at work and home, this session provides a proactive approach to sustainably reduce risk for stress, anxiety, loneliness, and other psychosocial behaviors that diminish health, wellness, and productivity.”

Aaron started his own company because he saw a need for businesses to take a new strategic approach to comprehensive workplace health. His research focuses on 4 pillars that help businesses create a culture of wellbeing, train leaders to become emotionally intelligent, break down silos to develop cohesive teams, and empower employee autonomy so people can feel fulfilled by their work. Aaron is a certified wellness practitioner, certified intrinsic coach, WELCOA Top 25 Wellness Professional, but his favorite titles are: husband, dad, adventurer, and human.

Cheryl Mealey, BS, CHES

Cheryl Mealey is a Principal in the Mercer health and Benefits Chicago and Milwaukee offices and a senior leader in the Total Health Management (THM) specialty practice. Cheryl leads the Telemedicine Collective for Mercer and has been involved in the creation of several Mercer products and solutions. She has more than 20 years of varied experience including worksite wellness, integrated benefits and employee assistance programs.

In a few words, what is most exciting to you about being a speaker at the WCWI’s 28th Annual Worksite Wellness Conference?

“I always look forward to this conference, the quality and content of this event is equal to, and often surpasses many national conferences I’ve participated in.”

What’s one key take-away that our attendees can expect to learn from your session?

“People are more than a collection of risk factors. We have to look beyond physical risks to cultivate a thriving workforce.”

What’s one thing that you’d like our attendees to know about you?

“A time of personal stress and loss illuminated for me what isn’t working in our programs…and has inspired me to share this insight with others.”

In a few words, why should our attendees be interested in learning about the topic you’re speaking about?

“If you want a seat at the table, you have to understand and speak the language of business, and you have to position your wellbeing program in a way that helps to achieve corporate goals and objectives.”

Prior to joining Mercer in 2012, Cheryl led the National Wellness Consulting Practice for a global broker. Her clients come from all industries and market segments and many programs under her direction have been recognized with local, regional and national awards. Cheryl served on the Board of Directors for the Wellness Council of Wisconsin for 12 years in several leadership positions, including President. Cheryl graduated from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse with a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education and earned the Certified Health Education Specialist designation from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing and is WELCOA Faculty.

Michelle Spehr, MA, M.Ed., MCHES, CWWPC, CWF

Michelle Spehr is a health and wellness consultant with The Benefits Services Group where she provides strategic direction and assistance with the planning, implementing, and evaluating of employer-sponsored health promotion and wellness initiatives. Her approach involves expanding the wellness value proposition beyond reducing employee health risks to creating the conditions where employees can bring their best selves to work each day.

In a few words, what is most exciting to you about being a speaker at the WCWI’s 28th Annual Worksite Wellness Conference?

“I’m excited to share new and more effective data collection techniques to help wellness practitioners take their wellbeing strategy to a higher level.”

What’s one key take-away that our attendees can expect to learn from your session?

“Participants will leave with practical skills and insights on how to Collect Meaningful Data to Evolve a Wellness Strategy (WELCOA’s evolved Benchmark 3).”

What’s one thing that you’d like our attendees to know about you?

“Michelle’s other interests include strengthening the capacity of communities to apply mindfulness in ways that positively change perspectives and re-invent how people connect and work together. “

In a few words, why should our attendees be interested in learning about the topic you’re speaking about?

“This will be an action-packed session that will appeal to those who are interested in emerging practices and like to learn by doing.”

In 2015 Michelle was recognized as the Employee Benefit Adviser (EBA) Wellness Adviser of the Year and her professional credentials include certifications as a Master's level Health Education Specialist (MCHES), a Worksite Wellness Program Consultant (CWWPC) and Faculty designation from WELCOA. She also serves as a board member for the UW Health and Wellness Management program and the Wellness Compliance Institute.

Mari Ryan, MBA, MHP, CWP

Mari Ryan, CEO and founder of AdvancingWellness, is an expert in worksite wellbeing. She leverages over 30 years of business experience in various marketing, consulting and executive roles across a variety of different industries. For the past decade, Ms. Ryan has been creating healthier businesses and impacting the lives of employees, through her consulting work and speaking on worksite wellbeing.

In a few words, what is most exciting to you about being a speaker at the WCWI’s 28th Annual Worksite Wellness Conference?

“The opportunity to share insights and a facilitation technique with participants.”

What’s one key take-away that our attendees can expect to learn from your session?

“Participants will leave the session with inspiration and ideas about how to think broadly about the future of the workplace and how that impacts workplace wellbeing.”

What’s one thing that you’d like our attendees to know about you?

“Mari’s love for walking and adventure have taken her on treks and hikes on four continents including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.”

In a few words, why should our attendees be interested in learning about the topic you’re speaking about?

“Keeping current with business trends is essential to keeping wellbeing programs relevant.”

Mari earned a Bachelor Degree from Lesley University, an MBA from Boston University, a Master’s degree in Health Promotion from Nebraska Methodist College, and is a certified Worksite Wellness Consultant. She is the founder and former Board Chair of the Worksite Wellness Council of Massachusetts, and is a member of the Board of Directors of Health Promotion Advocates and Global Women 4 Wellbeing. Mari is an active member of the National Speakers Association. Mari is the author of The Thriving Hive: How People-Centric Organizations Ignite Engagement and Fuel Results.

Mettie Spiess, CWP, International Mental Health Speaker

Dubbed the “tiny but mighty stigma-crusher” and “champion for change” by clients nation-wide, Mettie Spiess is the mental wellness expert and speaker-trainer to connect with if your goals include: happy and healthy employees, supportive work environments, and compassionate, empowered leaders! Mettie shares her practical (Voice. Value. Vigilance.) leadership process with companies to effectively support employee mental health and increase the effectiveness of their wellness programs.

Riveting case studies and knee-slapping stories will open your eyes to the numerous benefits of mentally healthy teams and organizations. Together, we’ll apply best practice support strategies to increase employee engagement and create a supportive stigma-free work culture within your organization. Walk away with tools and immediate strategies to support your employees’ mental health and wellbeing.

Objectives:

• Leave with a simple framework (Voice. Value. Vigilance.) that you can use immediately to achieve team and organizational mental wellness goals

• Navigate how to support employees who are in mental health and/or suicidal crisis

• Develop strategies to reduce stigma and empower employees to seek support

In 2016, the National Alliance on Mental Illness awarded Mettie the Education Advancement Award for her work to end the stigma associated with mental illness by providing education, raising awareness, and promoting recovery. The impact principals she delivers in her trainings are based on her nine years’ experience coaching employees to transition from living to living well. Mettie graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point with a Bachelor of Science in Corporate Health Promotion and Wellness and holds her Wellness Practitioner Certification through the National Wellness Institute.